A test database is a more-or-less exact copy of your live/production database environment. I often refer to this as a “sandbox” because the test database is a place where you and your staff can go to play, just like a sandbox. The three primary uses of a test database are for testing, training, and documentation. All three of these are […]
Do you have a test database? Read More »
Working with a client last week on their selection of a new AMS, I was again reminded of how important it has become for associations to be able to track in their AMS not only transactions (e.g., membership joins and renewals, event registration, product sales, etc.), but interactions with members and customers (e.g., tracking phone
Interactions, not just transactions Read More »
One of the challenges that I see with many associations is knowing exactly where a given data point is housed within the association. For example, if someone asks “Where do we keep data on who our exhibitors are for the upcoming show?” can everyone in the association answer that question? Too often, the answer is ‘no.’ To
Where is that data? Read More »
I first heard this from Thomas Sowell many years ago. And I’ve written about it here and here and here. But it’s so important that it bears repeating, time and time again. When it comes to data management, and especially data management software, there are no perfect solutions, only trade-offs. The software might be really good, but it’s
"There are no solutions, only trade-offs" Read More »
In my 2015 Data Management Benchmarking Survey, I asked associations: “Do you have a formal data management team?” Only 22% replied yes. This number needs to increase dramatically if associations are really going to take advantage of the data that they are managing. The simple fact is that the amount of data you manage is only
Associations need to formalize and operationalize data management Read More »
I’m often asked by my clients, as they seek a new AMS, should they be looking at hosted options? Or more to the point, should they bother looking at premise-based solutions anymore? My answer is: For the vast majority of associations, a hosted solution will work fine and is actually preferable to premise-based. (Please keep
To host or not to host? That is the question. Read More »
Many years ago I wrote an article about how important documentation is to the long-term success of your AMS. (You can read that article here.) What I wrote in that article is still pertinent today. Documentation of processes is absolutely vital to long-term success. Staff needs to clearly define and document how data will be processed throughout the organization.
Have you looked at your documentation recently? Read More »
I wrote recently about one vendor who provides free training to new employees. It’s a brilliant idea that all vendors should follow. But what about long-standing employees who just need a training touch up? This is where you need to take advantage of the training options your vendor provides. For example, many (though not all)
Take advantage of your vendor's training programs Read More »
Many of my clients track “areas of interest” within their database (maybe you do, too). These are typically checkboxes of dropdown menus that the customer can use to select the different topics or issues that are of interest to them. Associations typically use this for marketing and communications purposes, and may also use them for identifying volunteers
Be aware of implied interest Read More »
One of my favorite activities with clients is to work on redesigning their business processes and workflows to make them more efficient and effective. This is especially fun to do when implementing a new AMS (or other new technology). Today’s systems offer so much more power in terms of automated workflows that the efficiency gains
Not everything needs to be automated Read More »